P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Late-night practice in Las Vegas saw Mercedes spring to the top of the timesheets – but there are still cards to be shown.
Practice in Las Vegas posed a challenge for drivers due to cold temperatures, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton leading the way in both sessions, closely followed by George Russell. Max Verstappen and Red Bull faced difficulties, with Verstappen trailing by one second in FP1 and encountering issues with the rear wing in FP2. Qualifying remains uncertain, but the long-run data suggests a more positive outlook for Verstappen compared to his rivals. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc showed strong form in long runs, highlighting the team’s need to improve one-lap pace. With cool temperatures expected to continue, tire management will be crucial in determining the race outcome. Mercedes’ strong performance in high fuel runs is noted, but other teams could still pose a challenge as the weekend progresses.
